Eugen Osmokescu
“For a strategic and systematic approach, first of all, it is necessary to create an investment climate in which entrepreneurs from Moldova, as well as potential foreign investors will feel confidence. If we talk about the baseline scenario – we have made the relevant calculations – the continuation of the regulatory reform can contribute to GDP growth of up to 3%. This is also in line with the European integration agenda, because within the ministry, we have 9 negotiation chapters, and there is still work to be done on about 20 per cent of the authorization acts, which should be adjusted to the legal framework of the European Union,” Osmokescu said in Parliament.
The deputy prime minister stressed the importance of ensuring access to and development of long-term financing through existing instruments, including the Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship (ODA). Osmokescu considers the possibility of transforming the ODA into an investment bank, following Romania’s example, and noted the usefulness of attracting large “anchor” companies, especially from EU countries. These measures, he estimated, could give an additional 2% GDP growth.
According to the minister, special attention should be paid to supporting and promoting local production:
“Here I want to note the model of the economy that we see in the future: based not on consumption, but on production. We have made calculations: if we increase the consumption of local products to 25% only among the employed, it will give GDP growth of up to 2.5-3%”.
Eugen Osmokescu also touched upon the fight against shadow economy – 41% of entrepreneurs, according to him, face unfair competition from the “gray” sector of the economy. In this regard, the Minister discussed with his colleagues measures for simplified taxation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups.
In addition, the Minister proposed to more actively promote artificial intelligence in government agencies and companies.
“Artificial intelligence is another important section of our program, both at the level of private companies and at the level of central and local government. We have calculated that it is possible to increase the efficiency of information flows and decision-making in central and local government up to 40%, and in companies up to 20%,” the economy minister said.
Eugen Osmokescu has more than 25 years of experience in economic and regulatory reforms, including international projects. As Program Manager of the World Bank Group / IFC (2009-2025), he worked in Belgrade, Chisinau and Kiev. Previously, he was a senior regulatory reform specialist at Development Alternatives Initiatives Inc. (Chisinau, Cairo), a consultant at Jacobs, Cordova & Associates (Chisinau, Zagreb, Ulaanbaatar), and a project manager and lawyer for USAID and Moldovan Parliament programs.
